Applied Communication Research Methods
Getting Started as a Researcher
📘 About This Book
Applied Communication Research Methods: Getting Started as a Researcher demonstrates how to apply concepts to research problems, issues, projects, and questions that communication practitioners face every day. Recognizing that students engage more directly with research methods when they experience research through hands-on practice, authors Michael Boyle and Mike Schmierbach developed this text to demonstrate the relevance of research in professional roles and communication careers. Along with its distinctive approach to research methods instruction, this text also serves as an enhanced glossary and a superior reference. Students can easily navigate key concepts and terminology, which are linked to practical exercises within the context of the instruction. In-unit activities and features provide numerous opportunities to delve further into topics covered in class, including: Research in Depth – examples of a concept being used in scholarly research Reflect and React – thought-provoking problems and issues that promote reflection and discussion Voices from Industry – Q&As with professionals working in communication industries End-of-unit activities – exercises that reinforce concepts and content Online resources, including sample syllabi, test banks, and more, are available on the companion website: www.routledge.com/cw/boyle.Applied Communication Research Methods is a concise, engaging work that today’s students and industry practitioners will embrace and keep on-hand throughout their careers.
📖 Summary
Applied Communication Research Methods by Michael Boyle, published in 2015 and spanning 449 pages, is a comprehensive guide designed to demystify the research process for students and practitioners in the language arts and communication disciplines. The core premise of the book is that learners engage with research methods far more effectively when they participate in hands-on practice rather than merely memorizing theoretical concepts. Boyle and co-author Mike Schmierbach craft a textbook that bridges the gap between academic inquiry and the everyday challenges faced by communication professionals. Throughout the 449 pages, the text emphasizes how to apply foundational concepts directly to real-world research problems, issues, projects, and questions. By focusing on practical application, the book demonstrates the vital relevance of research in various professional roles and future communication careers. Rather than treating research methods as an abstract or intimidating subject, the authors present it as an accessible, essential toolkit for modern practitioners who must evaluate information, analyze audience behavior, and solve applied problems in the field. Furthermore, the book doubles as an enhanced glossary and a superior reference guide. Students and professionals alike can easily navigate key concepts and terminology, finding clear definitions that are immediately linked to practical exercises within the context of the instruction. This integration of reference material and experiential learning ensures that readers do not just look up terms, but actively understand how those terms function in a working research environment. In-unit activities and specialized features guide readers step-by-step from the initial conceptualization of a research question through the execution and interpretation of the project. By anchoring academic methodology to the daily realities of communication industries, Applied Communication Research Methods equips its audience with the confidence and competence needed to design, conduct, and evaluate meaningful research throughout their professional lives.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Strong focus on practical, real-world applications for communication professionals.
Engaging hands-on practice model that moves beyond dry theory.
Doubles as an enhanced glossary and reference guide for key terminology.
Includes helpful in-unit activities and features that guide active learning.
⚠️ Cons
Specific to the communication discipline, which may limit cross-disciplinary utility.
Relies heavily on active participation, requiring dedicated time for exercises.
❓ FAQ
Who authored Applied Communication Research Methods? +
The book was authored by Michael Boyle, with contributions from Mike Schmierbach.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2015.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book spans 449 pages.
What is the main pedagogical approach of the text? +
The text emphasizes hands-on practice, linking key concepts and terminology directly to practical exercises and in-unit activities.
Can the book be used as a reference tool? +
Yes, it doubles as an enhanced glossary and a superior reference for navigating key communication research concepts.
